LAST WEEK: How much should Peachtree City spend to fix traffic jams
Last week we noted that Peachtree City has begun more construction on Ga. Hwy. 54 to help alleviate the ongoing traffic congestion that clogs the intersection at Ga. Hwy. 74 on a daily basis. The city has a list of projects that will take years to complete, and the cost could run into the millions, even though some of the work will be paid for by the state and/or developers.
Not all of the traffic is entirely local; some involves commuters going to and from Coweta County, and farther east toward Fayetteville. We asked how much money Peachtree City should reasonably spend on projects that may offer only modest improvements.
Here’s what some of you said:
Like 2009, another light on 54 is unwanted. Or another light on 74 and more traffic forced into the 54/74 intersection. GDOT said only a split grade at 74/54 will help, [but] it will destroy three shopping centers. GDOT agreed my proposal to add ramps from Fischer Road to I-85 in Coweta would help and will be studied when the 74/I-85 improvements are completed. Coweta is the current and growing source of the congestion. They see 74 as their answer for their traffic. — Don Haddix, former Peachtree City mayor
As much as it [costs] to pay the stupid police to sit at every corner. — Christopher Alongi
$50-60 million seems fitting over the next two years. — Anonymous
PTC should only pay for those roads maintained by PTC. The city should refer any further expenditures to the county for county-maintained roads and to the state for state-maintained roads. Where the county and/or the state is not compelled to maintain their respective responsibilities, the city should seek litigation. — Anonymous
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
With no public comment on the deal, the DeKalb County Commission voted 4-3 vote this month to give Atlanta United FC a $12 million incentive package to build its $30-million training complex in the county.
The soccer club’s complex, proposed to be built on property south of Interstate 285 near the county jail and sanitation department, is expected to kickstart further development along the Memorial Drive corridor.
Initially, the complex will hold a 3,500-seat stadium, three practice fields, exercise facilities, locker rooms and offices for the club’s headquarters. A second phase may add an indoor practice facility and additional soccer fields.
DeKalb will give AUFC $2.33 million a year for three years to facilitate the complex’s construction. The county wants some office space in the headquarters for its parks and recreation department in exchange. The incentive package also includes $5 million to clear land for the developments.
Opponents say the deal is a government handout that will drain taxpayer money by letting Atlanta United use the facilities tax-free. Many are concerned this will do nothing to revitalize that section of the county that has few tax-generating properties.
Supporters counter that the land will be used for more than just the AUFC. It can support youth tournaments for soccer and other sports such as rugby and lacrosse and be a venue for concerts, graduations, etc.
What do you think? Is the proposed soccer complex a boon for DeKalb or a potential white elephant that will divert precious tax dollars from much-need infrastructure projects such as road and sewer repair?
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